LRC locomotive and F40PH locomotive No. 211, 1980s.

In early 1977, Amtrak agreed to lease two high-speed trainsets designed by the Canadian team of Bombardier, Alcan and Dofasco. Known as "Light, Rapid, Comfortable" - or "LRC" for short - the Amtrak trainsets each included one 16 cylinder, 3725 hp diesel-electric locomotive, four 84-seat coaches and a club car. The lightweight trains were designed to reach speeds up to 125 mph on existing rail infrastructure; tilt technology allowed them to take curves at faster speeds than conventional equipment.

As seen in this image, the LRC locomotives and coaches were compact and streamlined. The locomotive measured approximately 65 feet long and 12 feet high and weighed 226,000 pounds. Amtrak employed the trainsets in revenue service on the Northeast Corridor from 1980-1982. Following expiration of the lease, they were returned to the manufacturer.

Photographer: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.